With Kemp's Signature, Georgia Hate Crimes Bill Becomes Law

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday signed House Bill 426, enacting Georgia's first hate crimes law.

The law strengthens punishments for people convicted of crimes where a victim was targeted because of his or her "actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability."

For misdemeanors found to be hate crimes, an additional term of six to 12 months can be added to a sentence, along with a fine of up to $5,000. For felonies, a sentence of no less than two years, and a fine of no more than $5,000, can be added to a pre-existing sentence.

CBS News reports advocacy groups have pushed for a hate crime law in Georgia for years, but the killing of Ahmaud Arbery reignited the effort to pass the law.

HB426 passed the Senate by 47-6 and the state house by 127-83, CBS reports. Senator Bill Coswert, a Republican, said the passage was a "historic."

On Friday, Democratic Georgia Rep. Calvin Smyre told CBS the passage of the hate crime law is a "milestone worth applauding."

"Ahmaud Arbery's death will not be in vain as an example of what we are doing here today," Smyre told the news outlet.

Arbery was shot and killed while jogging in a Brunswick neighborhood on Feb. 23. The three men accused in the shooting — William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael — were not arrested until May and not indicted until June.

Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, told WGCL said the day the men were indicted was a happy day for her.

"The indictment, it means a big accomplishment case wise. I've waited so long to get this type of news. It's not time for celebration yet because we want to get them sentenced properly," Wanda Cooper-Jones told WGCL. "I'm pleased. I think this is a good second step a huge step. I can say I am happy today like yesterday. Today is a happy day."

Patch editor Andrea V. Watson contributed to this report.